(John, the seer, wrote:) Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life. It was as clear as crystal. It flowed from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the middle of the city’s main street. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing 12 crops of fruit. Its fruit was ripe every month. The leaves of the tree bring healing to the nations. ~ Revelation 22:1–2 (NIRV)
Lord, it seems pretty clear that you love the land you created. You delight in clear streams. You enjoy fruit trees. You are out to heal your wonderful creation! You are healing people and nations and nature. And I am very happy that I get to be a part of that mission. I confess that sometimes my understanding of your healing is too narrow. Because I'm lazy, at times I neglect the creation and the people it supports. Help me to see and live into the bigger picture. Might my daily gardening be a subversive witness of your eternal healing. Amen.
Challenging Words
- Gush -- a rapid and plentiful flow of liquid
- Gardening -- the act of taking care of a garden or some plants in a container
- Subversive -- something that disrupts an established institution or pattern.
